We are delighted that Cheryl Fereday, Youth Engagement and Progression Officer at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS), has been announced as “Wales’ Youth Worker of the Year”.
The Welsh Government’s Youth Work Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding youth work practice in Wales. Youth Worker of the Year is awarded to outstanding Youth Workers who have gone above and beyond their normal role and have had an exceptional impact on young people
Describing why Cheryl was nominated for the award, the awards’ website states that “she is a superb role model for those working alongside her – committed, knowledgeable, dependable and always the first port of call if anyone needs help or support”.
“Cheryl’s current role is to deliver a high-quality service for vulnerable young people aged 16 to 24 years old and to support young people where there are complex difficulties impacting on engagement and participation.
She recently led a successful pilot programme, the “Becoming Independent Programme”, which offered support, advice and guidance to 16- to 24-year-olds in their transition to young adults. The project was vitally important as it engaged with an extremely vulnerable group of young people with complex needs.
The project was designed and delivered by Cheryl and covered topics, learning and issues that aren’t generally covered extensively in school, such as relationships, internet safety, sexual health, and independent living skills.
The judging panel highlighted Cheryl’s breadth of experience, demonstrable impact and her long-term commitment, as well as her positive attitude towards new approaches”.
Cllr. Christina Leyshon, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I am delighted that Cheryl has been awarded this honour. It is well-deserved, and she is a credit to our Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) here in RCT”.
“This follows the announcement earlier this month that YEPS was to be awarded the Quality Mark For Youth Work in Wales. The Bronze Award was presented to YEPS in recognition of its performance management, quality of youth work practice and young people’s learning and development”.
“As the judges made clear, Cheryl’s understanding of the young people’s needs was clearly evident and her empathy, kindness and complete dedication to the young people that she works with is inspiring. She is a credit to Rhondda Cynon Taf”.
You can read more about the awards here - https://gov.wales/youth-work-excellence-awards/winners-and-finalists/2021-awards/cheryl-fereday
Posted on 15/12/2021